UN praises Emirates Red Crescent’s efforts in Yemen

The UN regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Yemen crisis praised Emirates Red Crescent for their work in Yemen during a visit to the Abu Dhabi head office.

ABU DHABI // The United Nations has praised Emirates Red Crescent for its humanitarian efforts in Yemen calling the organisation one of the UN’s most important humanitarian partners in the region.

The UN’s humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien also thanked the country for its response, the state news agency Wam reported.

“I welcome the pledge made by the UAE towards the Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen and the generosity of the Emirati people. In response of the appeal, I hope others will follow suit,” Mr O’Brien said.

During a visit to the ERC’s head office in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday Amer Daoudi, the UN Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Yemen Crisis, said the humanitarian organisation was helping to relieve the suffering and improve the lives of many affected people in Yemen.

IT was, said Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, only right for the UAE to help those in need.

“This pledge comes at a crucial time for Yemen with conditions for the elderly, men, women, and children continuing to deteriorate. Humanitarian relief is a top priority for the UAE and we are working with our UN partners to ensure protection of civilians in Yemen and that aid can be delivered to so many who need it.”

He also said he was following the authority’s efficient humanitarian efforts on the ground with admiration.

Mr Daoudi and his accompanying delegation were received by Dr Mohammed Atiq Al Falahi, ERC secretary general.

During their meeting, both sides discussed ways they could expand their relief efforts in Yemen as well as strengthening their partnership.

The UAE has been the largest aid donor to Yemen this year. Representing 31 per cent of the global total, the UAE ranked first in aid donors to the humanitarian crisis.

The Financial Tracking Service – which is managed by the United Nations and records all reported aid – showed the UAE provided Dh508.7 million out of Dh1.650 billion contributed.